An inmate who died a day after he was physically assaulted by correction officers at an Oneida County Correctional Facility was handcuffed when he was allegedly held and beaten after attempting to bite one of the officers.
According to the Albany Times Union, two people with knowledge of the ongoing investigation, but not authorized to comment publicly, said that investigators have described the assault at the Marcy Correctional Facility on 43-year-old Robert Brooks as extremely disturbing based on body camera footage that captured at least part of what state officials have described as the “use of force” by correction officers.
In response to the incident, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Assocation released a statement on Sunday.
“NYSCOPBA has been monitoring the events surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks, an incarcerated individual at Marcy Correctional Facility. Some Members of our Executive Board were recently afforded the opportunity to review footage capturing a small portion of the incident. What we witnessed is incomprehensible to say the least and is certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day.
Every single day, NYSCOPBA members working in correctional facilities face daunting odds and the very real possibility of encountering violence. This is a harsh, day-to-day reality that few other professionals experience. Yet, the overwhelming majority of our members endure these challenges with the composure and professionalism that we demand of them, and that they demand of themselves.
However, what transpired at Marcy Correctional Facility is the opposite of everything NYSCOPBA and its membership stand for. When this footage is released to the public, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other high-profile incidents of violence involving law enforcement. This incident has the potential to make our correctional facilities even more violent, hostile, and unpredictable than ever before. Our members will face heightened challenges as a result, and any efforts to improve their working conditions and quality of life will be overshadowed by this incident.
This incident not only endangers our entire membership but undermines the integrity of our profession. We cannot and will not condone this behavior.
NYSCOPBA recognizes its legal obligation to defend the collective bargaining agreement and to represent all of its members. We will fulfill that obligation. However, fulfilling this duty does not mean endorsing these actions.
NYSCOPBA has been monitoring the events surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks, an incarcerated individual at Marcy Correctional Facility. Some Members of our Executive Board were recently afforded the opportunity to review footage capturing a small portion of the incident. What we witnessed is incomprehensible to say the least and is certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day.
Every single day, NYSCOPBA members working in correctional facilities face daunting odds and the very real possibility of encountering violence. This is a harsh, day-to-day reality that few other professionals experience. Yet, the overwhelming majority of our members endure these challenges with the composure and professionalism that we demand of them, and that they demand of themselves.
However, what transpired at Marcy Correctional Facility is the opposite of everything NYSCOPBA and its membership stand for. When this footage is released to the public, it will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other high-profile incidents of violence involving law enforcement. This incident has the potential to make our correctional facilities even more violent, hostile, and unpredictable than ever before. Our members will face heightened challenges as a result, and any efforts to improve their working conditions and quality of life will be overshadowed by this incident.
This incident not only endangers our entire membership but undermines the integrity of our profession. We cannot and will not condone this behavior.
NYSCOPBA recognizes its legal obligation to defend the collective bargaining agreement and to represent all of its members. We will fulfill that obligation. However, fulfilling this duty does not mean endorsing these actions.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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